• Zohran Mamdani vows to rescue street redesign DA says Adams adviser sidelined for bribes, Gothamist, Published 2025-08-25

Aug 19 - Local officials backed DOT's protected bike lanes under the elevated 31st Street tracks. A New York State Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction that paused the plan. Leaders urged the city to move the separated lanes forward to protect cyclists and pedestrians.

Bill/file number: none. Status: press release; plan supported by local officials but temporarily blocked by a New York State Supreme Court temporary injunction. Committee: N/A. Key date: 2025-08-19 (press statement). The matter titled "Elected officials outline continued support for 31st Street protected bike lanes in Astoria" urges DOT to install protected lanes beneath the elevated tracks. Council Member Tiffany Cabán and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas publicly backed the project. A state senator also expressed support (name withheld). Safety analysts note protected bike lanes under elevated tracks expand safe cycling infrastructure, reduce motor-vehicle-bicycle conflicts, and support mode shift to active travel; benefits depend on continuous, well-lit, accessible design to protect equity and nighttime safety.

• Elected officials outline continued support for 31st Street protected bike lanes in Astoria, AMNY, Published 2025-08-19

Aug 17 - An SUV cut a U-turn on 21st Street at 38th Avenue and clipped a moped. The rider went down. He suffered a leg bruise. The street took the hit. Queens heard the thud.

A Toyota SUV making a U-turn on 21 St at 38 Ave hit an eastbound moped. The moped rider was injured with a lower-leg contusion. According to the police report, contributing factors were “Turning Improperly, Listening/Using Headphones.” Driver errors included Turning Improperly, with the SUV initiating a U-turn into the rider’s path. The data lists Listening/Using Headphones as a factor after the primary driver error. No pedestrians were reported struck. The SUV driver was listed as licensed; both vehicles traveled east before impact. The crash underscores the danger when drivers turn across vulnerable riders in the roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4836266 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Aug 14 - Int. 1353 forces DOT to install approved traffic calming or control devices on streets adjacent to schools within 60 days of a traffic study. Exempts major projects. Cuts delays that keep walkers and cyclists exposed to danger.

Bill: Int. 1353 (Int 1353-2025). Status: SPONSORSHIP. Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Key dates: filed 07/14/2025; published 08/14/2025. The matter "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the time permitted for the installation of a traffic calming device or traffic control device on any street adjacent to a school" requires DOT to complete installation within 60 days of a traffic study determination, except for major projects. Primary sponsor: Farah N. Louis. Co-sponsors: Jennifer Gutiérrez, Justin L. Brannan, Lincoln Restler, Tiffany Cabán. Safety analysts say the 60-day deadline shrinks harmful delays, likely improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists, aiding crossings, encouraging walking and biking to school, and advancing equity — but benefits depend on enforcement and funding.

• File Int 1353-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Int. 1353 orders the department to finish traffic calming or control devices on streets next to schools within 60 days of a study determination. The law takes effect immediately. Sponsors moved to speed protective infrastructure for children.

Bill Int. 1353-2025 is at SPONSORSHIP and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced 07/14/2025 and recorded 08/14/2025, the matter is titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the time permitted for the installation of a traffic calming device or traffic control device on any street adjacent to a school." The bill requires the department to complete installation within 60 days of a traffic study determination. Primary sponsor Farah N. Louis introduced it. Co-sponsors Jennifer Gutiérrez, Justin L. Brannan, Tiffany Cabán, Lincoln Restler and Shahana K. Hanif signed on. Requiring installation of traffic calming or control devices near schools within 60 days after a study determination is likely to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists by accelerating protective infrastructure, encouraging safer driving, and supporting ‘safety in numbers’ and equitable protection for children; however impact depends on timely, evidence-based device selection and adequate resourcing for implementation.

• File Int 1353-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Int 1353-2025 forces DOT to install traffic calming on streets beside schools within 60 days of a study finding. It shortens long delays that leave crossings and bike lanes exposed. Major transportation projects are exempt.

Int. No. 1353-2025 (status: Sponsorship; referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure) was filed Aug. 14, 2025 and sent to committee the same day. The matter is titled: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the time permitted for the installation of a traffic calming device or traffic control device on any street adjacent to a school." It was introduced by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez and cosponsored by Tiffany Cabán, Lincoln Restler and Farah N. Louis. The bill would require that "the department shall complete the installation... by no later than 60 days after the department issues such traffic study determination." The law takes effect immediately. The measure requires timely installation of proven devices within 60 days, reducing deployment delays and protecting pedestrians and cyclists—especially children—while reasonably exempting major projects.

• File Int 1353-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 12 - A speeding 84-year-old driver killed himself and two pedestrians in Astoria. Elected officials demanded 20 mph limits, protected bike lanes, universal daylighting, and more automated enforcement. Analysts say systemwide changes reduce traffic violence and protect pedestrians and cyclists.

""called for a lower speed limit, more protected bike lanes, universal daylighting, and the implementation of street safety plans."," -- Tiffany Cabán

Matter: "UPDATE: Speeding Senior Driver Kills Self and Two Pedestrians in Astoria, Pols Call for 20 MPH Limit." Date: August 12, 2025. Bill number: none — no bill filed. Status: advocacy and public calls; Committee: N/A. Council Member Tiffany Cabán publicly demanded a 20 mph city limit, protected bike lanes, universal daylighting, and full street safety plans. Zohran Mamdani pushed acceleration of Sammy’s Law, limits on car traffic near schools, and expanded automated enforcement. Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas voiced support. Transportation Alternatives urged using Sammy’s Law to lower limits. Safety analysts note the focus is on system-wide interventions such as lower speed limits, protected lanes, and automated enforcement, proven to cut traffic violence and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

• UPDATE: Speeding Senior Driver Kills Self and Two Pedestrians in Astoria, Pols Call for 20 MPH Limit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-12

Aug 8 - A driver in a Ford sedan hit a 51-year-old man not in the roadway on 23 Street in Queens. Police recorded driver inattention and a limited view. The man suffered fractures and a dislocation.

A driver in a 2014 Ford sedan traveling north on 23 Street in Queens hit a 51-year-old man who was not in the roadway. The pedestrian was conscious and hurt across his body, with fractures and a dislocation. "According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered injuries to his entire body, including fractures and dislocation." The report lists Driver Inattention/Distraction and View Obstructed/Limited as contributing factors. Police recorded those driver errors. The driver, a 63-year-old woman, was licensed and uninjured; the vehicle sustained no damage. The crash location is listed as 36-20 23 Street in the 114th Precinct. No other factors were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834147 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Aug 8 - DOT will install protected bike lanes and traffic calming on 31st Street in Astoria. Business owners sued to stop it. The corridor has 190 injuries, 12 severe, 2 deaths since 2020. DOT vows to defend the redesign.

"DOT Stands By Astoria Safety Project Despite Foes’ Anti-Bike Lawsuit." No bill number; not before the City Council or any committee. DOT reaffirmed the redesign on August 8, 2025 after business owners sued following a heated June community board meeting. The plan adds protected bike lanes on both sides of 31st Street and painted pedestrian islands. DOT spokesman Will Livingston said, "We stand firmly behind this project and will defend our work in court." Council Member Tiffany Caban, Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas signed a letter supporting the project in June. Implementing protected bike lanes and traffic calming measures is proven to reduce injuries for all road users, encourage mode shift, and improve street equity in this high-crash corridor.

• DOT Stands By Astoria Safety Project Despite Foes’ Anti-Bike Lawsuit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-08

Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.

"Critics, including Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Council Member Julie Won, argue the report is flawed and that daylighting is a proven, low-cost safety measure" -- Julie Won

Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.

• We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-08

Aug 7 - A driver in a sedan turned left at Broadway and 21st Street and cut off a southbound standing scooter. The rider hit the right side, flew off, and fractured his arm. Police recorded traffic control disregarded by the driver.

A 30-year-old man riding a standing scooter was ejected and suffered a fractured arm after a driver in a sedan turned left across his path at Broadway and 21st Street in Queens. The scooter was traveling south; the sedan was traveling north and turning left. The rider hit the car’s right-side doors and went down. According to the police report, 'Traffic Control Disregarded' was listed as a contributing factor. Police recorded traffic control disregarded by the driver. The driver, a 66-year-old woman, was not reported injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834151 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Aug 5 - Police car struck at Beach 35th and Rockaway. Three hurt. Sirens cut through Edgemere. Cause unknown. Streets stained. Investigation begins.

CBS New York reported on August 5, 2025, that an NYPD cruiser crashed at Beach 35th Street and Rockaway Freeway in Edgemere, Queens. Three people were injured. The article states, 'Police are now trying to determine the cause of the crash.' No details on driver actions or contributing factors were released. The incident highlights risks at busy intersections and the need for thorough investigation when emergency vehicles are involved.

• NYPD Cruiser Crash Injures Three In Queens, CBS New York, Published 2025-08-05

Aug 3 - Council weighs a 20-foot parking ban at crosswalks. Supporters say it saves lives. Critics warn of lost parking and risk. Streets stand at a crossroads.

""Universal daylighting and hardening at intersections will keep all New Yorkers safe whether they are driving, walking or biking,"" -- Julie Won

Intro. 1138, now before the City Council as of August 3, 2025, targets cars parked within 20 feet of crosswalks. The transportation committee leads the review. The bill's summary: 'ban vehicles from parking within 20 feet of crosswalks to improve visibility and street safety.' Council Member Barbara Russo-Lennon supports the measure. Council Member Julie Won and advocates back it. DOT officials and some lawmakers oppose, citing cost and risk. The bill could cut 300,000 parking spots. Banning parking near intersections improves visibility for all road users, reducing collisions and making streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, even if it reduces parking.

• NYC to lose 300,000 parking spots in City Council bid to boost street safety, AMNY, Published 2025-08-03

Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.

Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.

• Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger, Gothamist, Published 2025-08-01

Jul 31 - A Nissan SUV struck a 65-year-old e-biker on Second Ave. The rider flew to the pavement. The driver fled. The bike’s red light blinked in the dark. Police arrested the unlicensed driver two hours later. The rider remains critical.

West Side Spirit (2025-07-31) reports a 21-year-old unlicensed driver in a Nissan SUV struck a 65-year-old e-bike rider on Second Ave. near 15th St., leaving the cyclist with serious head trauma. The driver fled, drove on the sidewalk, and later took the SUV to a car wash. He confessed to police after turning himself in two hours later, saying he fled because he lacked a license. The article notes, 'He now faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident that caused serious injury and driving without a license.' The NYPD Highway District's Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The crash highlights persistent dangers from unlicensed drivers and gaps in enforcement.

• Unlicensed Driver Hits E-Biker, Flees Scene, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-07-31

Jul 30 - A Nissan struck a 65-year-old e-biker on Second Ave. The rider fell, hit his head, and lay critical as the red light blinked. The unlicensed driver fled. Police arrested him two hours later.

West Side Spirit (2025-07-30) reports a 21-year-old unlicensed driver hit a 65-year-old e-biker on Second Ave. near 14th St., leaving the rider with serious head trauma. The driver fled, but police arrested him two hours later, charging him with "leaving the scene of an accident that caused serious injury and driving without a license." The crash shut down Second Ave. between 14th and 15th Streets. NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The article highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed drivers and the consequences of fleeing crash scenes.

• Unlicensed Driver Hits E-Biker, Flees Scene, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-07-30

Jul 30 - Council moves to ban parking near corners. Sightlines clear. Crashes drop. Pedestrians and cyclists breathe easier. DOT doubts linger. Advocates press on. Streets could change fast.

"Won criticized the report as "deeply flawed" at a Transportation Committee hearing in April." -- Julie Won

On July 30, 2025, the NYC Council Progressive Caucus made a major push for Intro 1138, a bill to ban parking within 20 feet of intersections. The measure sits with the Transportation Committee. Council Member Julie Won introduced it after deadly crashes in her district. Eighteen caucus members back the bill, aiming to force a vote this year. The matter: 'eliminate parking within 20 feet of an intersection.' Council Member Sandy Nurse called daylighting 'a proven, effective way to make our streets safer.' DOT raised doubts about non-hardened daylighting, but safety analysts say restricting parking near intersections improves visibility, reduces collisions, and protects people on foot and bike.

• NYC Council Progressive Caucus to make push for universal daylighting in 2025, City & State NY, Published 2025-07-30

Jul 16 - A driver in an SUV ignored traffic control at Queens Plaza North and hit a 22-year-old male cyclist. The rider was ejected and suffered a fractured arm. Police cited “Traffic Control Disregarded.” Both vehicles were reported going straight.

A driver in a station wagon SUV struck a 22-year-old male cyclist at 28-11 Queens Plaza North in Queens. The cyclist was ejected and recorded injuries to the elbow/lower arm/hand, listed as a fracture. According to the police report, "Traffic Control Disregarded" was a contributing factor. Both the SUV and the bicycle were reported going straight; the SUV’s center front end hit the bike. The report also lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a factor, after the traffic-control finding. Police recorded the listed factors; the cyclist was the person injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828533 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jul 11 - A sedan driver started from parking and struck a moped on 37 Ave in Queens. The moped driver, 32, suffered a hip contusion and was injured. Police recorded Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.

A sedan driver starting from a parking spot collided with a moped traveling north on 37 Ave in Queens. The moped driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered a hip-upper leg contusion and was recorded injured. According to the police report, 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' was the contributing factor. The report notes the sedan made contact with its left front bumper while the moped sustained center front end damage. The moped was going straight; the sedan was starting from parking. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827101 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jul 8 - Hillside Avenue chokes on cars. Buses crawl at four miles per hour. New lanes promise relief for 215,000 riders. Space shifts from cars to buses. Streets change. Riders wait.

Gothamist (2025-07-08) reports new bus lanes are coming to Hillside Avenue, Queens. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said the corridor suffers from 'an inconsistent, patchwork design' and blocked lanes. Buses crawl at four miles per hour due to congestion. Only a third of road space serves buses, though 83% of transit users ride them. The project adds camera-enforced bus lanes, parking, and loading zones. Policy shifts road space from private cars to public transit, aiming to speed up service for 215,000 daily riders.

• Bus Lanes Target Congestion On Hillside Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-08